Jason Collins, who became the first openly gay athlete in North America's four recognized major team sports when he played for the NBA's Brooklyn Nets last season, announced Wednesday his retirement from the league. The 35-year-old Collins made the announcement in a first-person story for Sports Illustrated. It's the same forum he used in April 2013 to publicly reveal his sexuality. Collins also penned a story for ThePlayersTribune.com announcing his decision.

He joined the Nets in February and played 22 games for the team but was not on the roster this season.